A Preaching Series on theThessalonian Letters: Hollow or Hearty?“
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE GOSPEL MESSAGE?â€
(1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12)
“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our
coming to you was not in vain…â€
(1 Thessalonians 2:1)
Introduction: This section is a defense of Paul and his immediate companions in ministry against religious charlatanism. It raises the question for us—what kind of experience have you had with the gospel—“Hollow or Hearty?â€
I. 2:1 – Is it Hollow!
II. 6 Negatives and 7 Positives
All members of the church should evaluate, as honestly as possible, their contribution toward the building up of the body of Christ (Note the all-inclusiveness: 1:2; 5:14, 26).
III. 2:12 – Make it Hearty!
Conclusion: Like the Pearl poet, we too must now learn in our heart what we know in our head. Is your walk hollow or hearty? Hello!